In the wake of a brutal assault that claimed the lives of 28 civilians in the North-Central state of Plateau State, Governor Caleb Mutfwang has issued a defiant pledge that his government will not bow to terror, even as the attack draws sharp condemnation from the United States Congress and renewed calls for security reform from Nigerian lawmakers.
The attack, which occurred on Sunday evening in the Angwan Rukuba area of Jos North Local Government Area in Plateau State, has reignited concerns over the persistent insecurity plaguing the region.
Governor Mutfwang, in a statewide broadcast on Tuesday, described the incident as a “senseless attack” carried out by “enemies of peace” at approximately 7:30 p.m. local time.
“It is with a heavy heart and profound sorrow that I address you today following this tragic security incident, which led to the loss of 28 innocent lives,” Mutfwang said, his voice reflecting the gravity of the situation.
In a message aimed at reassuring the state’s populace, he declared, “Plateau State will not succumb to fear or intimidation. We shall emerge stronger, united, and resolute in our commitment to peace.”
The governor detailed immediate security measures taken in response to the violence, including the mobilisation of security agencies and the imposition of a 48-hour curfew in Jos North to allow for thorough operations.
He has also directed the strict enforcement of a ban on commercial motorcycle operations within the Jos Greater Master Plan, a measure aimed at curbing the mobility of assailants.
Visiting the attack scene alongside security chiefs and the injured at the Jos University Teaching Hospital, Mutfwang assured citizens that the state government would cover all medical expenses for those wounded.
He also vowed that justice would be pursued, revealing that one suspect has already been arrested. “We are committed to ensuring that all those involved in this heinous act are swiftly brought to justice,” he stated.
U.S. Lawmaker Warns of Diplomatic Strain
The violence in Plateau State, a region frequently marred by communal and sectarian tensions, has also captured international attention. U.S. Congressman Riley Moore, a member of a fact-finding delegation focused on the alleged persecution of Christians in Nigeria, issued a scathing condemnation of the attack on social media platform X.
Moore reported that at least 10 Christians were killed during Palm Sunday observances, alleging that the attackers employed firearms and machetes. He described the incident as part of a “troubling pattern” of violence targeting worshippers during religious holy days.
“This is sickening and unacceptable, but it’s not surprising,” Moore wrote, adding that Nigerian authorities must “massively ramp up security for the Triduum and Easter.”
The congressman issued a stark warning to the Nigerian government, stating that failure to protect religious communities could lead to “significant consequences for Nigeria’s relationship with the United States.”
He noted that a similar attack was deterred last Christmas following a decisive military response from the U.S. under a previous administration.
Political Pressure Mounts on Defence Chief
The latest massacre has also sparked fierce political criticism from within Nigeria. Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, issued a direct and confrontational challenge to the Minister of Defence, Christopher Musa.
In a post on Facebook, the senator described the Angwan Rukuba attack as “another brutal reminder that Nigerians remain unprotected.”
Referencing the minister’s assurances during his Senate screening, she demanded immediate results.
“Enough of condolences. Enough of excuses. Nigerians want action, protection, and results,” Akpoti-Uduaghan wrote, urging the former military chief to “prove NOW you are different and secure lives, or step aside.”
Sunday’s massacre is not an isolated incident but rather the latest in a series of violent episodes that have destabilised Plateau and neighbouring states.
The attack comes just weeks after no fewer than 20 security operatives and vigilantes were reportedly killed when heavily armed bandits ambushed a joint patrol team in the Kanam Local Government Area of the state.
According to the Kanam Development Association (KADA), gunmen in that earlier incident ambushed soldiers on patrol. “In the unfortunate exchange of gunfire that followed the ambush, our nation lost brave defenders who paid the ultimate price in the line of duty,” the association stated.
These repeated attacks-often involving killings, kidnappings, and cattle rustling-highlight the complex security challenges facing Nigeria’s North-Central and North-West regions, where the military is stretched thin combating insurgencies, banditry, and communal conflicts.
Governor Mutfwang, while mourning the latest victims, attempted to steer the state toward unity, commending residents for their restraint. “Your restraint and refusal to retaliate even in the face of provocation is deeply appreciated,” he said.
The governor concluded his address with a call for collective vigilance. “Security is a collective responsibility,” he said. “I urge all citizens to remain vigilant and report any suspicious movements.”
